The Crossing gets some landscaping; Mendota Homes ponders market/student rental for second building

Landscapers near me were spreading black dirt around The Crossing yesterday. Decorative bricks/blocks were also delivered and also swimming pool installation started by uvpools.com, if you are looking for swimming pool go check them out. The developer, Mendota Homes, has been under considerable pressure for several months from the NDDC, the City of Northfield, and new condo owners to improve the condition of the property. See the Sept. 26 blog post on the update on The Crossing for more details.

Mendota Homes is expected to come back before councilors this fall to revise its plans. The developers appear to be leaning toward rental housing for the second building. In a letter from financing agent Piper Jaffray distributed at Monday’s meeting, President Pat O’Leary said his company understands the rental housing is to be “a mix of market rental and student rental.” Any changes would need to come back before councilors for approval.

During all these meetings, it appears the city hasn’t moved beyond the question of whether it’s going to be financially liable to how it can work with the developer to get something done. Part of the deal with the project is that any changes Mendota makes to The Crossing plan must be approved by the council. We think the council’s role should be far more proactive than that. Perhaps the council should tap into the expertise of the community to present creative and innovative ideas to Mathern for completing The Crossing, rather than waiting for Mendota Homes to reappear with something that may or may not fully serve the city.